SolidWorks Launches eDrawings for the iPad

It took SolidWorks a while to release it, but eDrawings for the iPad is here, finally. As of this morning, the app is listed and available for purchase on Apple app store for $1.99.

Like its counterpart for the desktop, eDrawings for the iPad gives you the ability to view, rotate, and explode SolidWorks models. In addition to viewing eDrawings files published from SolidWorks, the app also lets you load and view native SolidWorks models, DWG files, and DXF files. A floating pane lets you access the component tree in your assemblies, so you can use it to isolate and highlight subassemblies and parts. If your file is published with configurations (for example, an ink cartridge with or without handles), you may use the same pane to examine different configurations possible in the model.

Unlike the desktop version, the iPad version doesn't offer tools for annotation, cross-sectioning, and measurement. With limited functions, the iPad version is a simpler, lighter version compared to the desktop version. With the app installed, you may email supported files to yourself so you can view them on your mobile tablet. You may also load files directly to the app via iTunes while the device is connected to your computer.

As one of the free or low-cost CAD viewers now available for mobile devices, eDrawings for the iPad competes with Autodesk's AutoCAD WS, Autodesk Inventor Publisher Mobile Viewer, Lattice Technology's iXVL View, IMXI/Design's TurboView, CADFaster's CADFaster Collaborate, Dassault Systemes' 3DVIA Mobile, and a few others. Many of them can view DWG and DXF files -- two widely adopted formats for engineering drawings. Some also give you the option to edit or co-edit files. An advantage offered by eDrawings is the ability to open and view native SolidWorks parts and assemblies.